Astros sign 1B Christian Walker to 3-year deal

Field Level Media|published: Mon 23rd December, 15:12 2024

Sep 25, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first base Christian Walker (53) celebrates a double in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

The Houston Astros found the slugging first baseman they desired, landing Christian Walker on a three-year contract, the team announced Monday.

Multiple outlets reported the contract is worth $60 million.

The former Arizona Diamondbacks standout not only hit 95 total home runs over the past three seasons, he also won three consecutive National League Gold Glove Awards.

Walker, 33, had 26 home runs with 84 RBIs and an .803 OPS in 130 games last season. That came one year after he hit 33 home runs with a career-best 103 RBIs and an .830 OPS while helping the Diamondbacks to a World Series berth.

Walker effectively replaces Jose Abreu, who signed a three-year, $58.5-million contract with the Astros before the 2023 season but was released this past June. Houston still owes Abreu $19.5 million in 2025.

A fourth-round selection by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2012 draft, Walker has 147 home runs and 443 RBIs with a .793 OPS in 832 games over 10 major league seasons.

Walker was extended a qualifying offer by the Diamondbacks following the 2024 season, which means the signing will cost the Astros a draft pick that Arizona can use at the end of the first round in 2025.

--Field Level Media

Latest